VCU news

By Mike Porter

The Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department is seeking help identifying a man in connection with the theft of a purse and the use of the victim’s credit cards.

VCU Police said the larceny took place on April 7, 2011, between 3:20 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the parking deck at the VCU Medical Center at Stony Point. Several cars were tampered with and a purse was taken from one. The purse contained checks, credit cards and passports.

Police said the man tried immediately tried to use the stolen credit cards to make purchases at stores, gas stations and restaurants along Forest Hill Avenue and Boydton Plank Road. He made an $80 purchase at a gas station before the cards were declined.

Police said the man tried unsuccessfully to purchase a PS3 gaming system and a T-Mobile cell phone and the store’s security camera captured a photo of him.

Anyone who can help police identify the man in this photo is asked to contact the VCU Police Department at 804-828-1196 or Crime Stoppers of Metro Richmond at 804-780-1000.

Anonymous tips may also be offered by texting ”VCUtip” to 274637. Information leading to an arrest may result in a cash award.